BRAINTREE Town boss Steve Pitt has paid a glowing tribute to John Akinde following the experienced striker’s departure from the club.
Akinde, 36, has left the Iron, who were relegated from the National League this season, after two seasons and joined National League South side Folkstone Invicta.
Akinde made 95 appearances for Braintree after joining them from Colchester United in the summer of 2024, scoring 17 goals and registering eight assists.
John Akinde departs The Iron
We would like to thank John for all his efforts over the past two seasons as he signs for fellow National League South side Folkstone Invicta
John made 95 appearances in his time in Orange and Blue, scoring 17 goals and making 8 assists… pic.twitter.com/oRKYFejDY4— Braintree Town FC (@braintreetownfc) May 30, 2026
Writing on social media, Pitt said: ‘A privilege to work with John in the last 1.5 years.
‘Had to get him up to speed when we 1st came in due to lack of game time but he was huge in our 1sr season success.
‘The hamstring at Southend away April 25 set him back but still a game changer when it mattered.
‘Go well JA💙’
IA privilege to work with John in the last 1.5 years.
Had to get him up to speed when we 1st came in due to lack of game time but he was huge in our 1sr season success.
The hamstring at Southend away April 25 set him back but still a game changer when it mattered.
Go well JA💙 https://t.co/CpuhLfgJdX— Steve Pitt (@StevePitt3) May 31, 2026
Akinde joined Braintree after being released after two-and-a-half years at Colchester, following the expiry of his contract.
The powerful striker has also played for the likes of Barnet, Lincoln City and Gillingham during his long career.
Akinde told the Folkestone Invicta website: “First and foremost, it’s a pleasure to be here. “I played with Jay a long time ago now so when he called me, it was obviously a nice call to have.
👋 from @jxe_05 #fifc | 🟠⚫️ pic.twitter.com/C3TV2iqkI3
— Folkestone Invicta (@FIFC) May 30, 2026
“I know a few players who have played here and speak very highly of the club. “I played with Donell at Colchester and know Woody and Pigs from the times I’ve played against them.
“I know the gaffer is very ambitious, he wants to do well again which I want to be a part of – so that’s what drew me here and hopefully I can help.
“I’m looking forward to meeting all the boys as well as the fans.”
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